Understanding What’s Possible Before You Start
Every good project starts with one thing: understanding the site.
At Payte Architects London, we help clients make sense of what’s really possible — before plans are drawn or money is spent.
Our Site Analysis and Feasibility Studies are practical, design-led, and rooted in London’s planning reality. We dig into the details — what you can build, what you might build, and what you should build.
Looking Closely at Every Angle
We don’t just tick boxes. We explore the character of the site, its potential, and the rules that shape it.
Typical studies include:
Site Context & Constraints – How the land sits, how light moves, and how people approach it.
Planning Policy Review – The small print that makes or breaks a proposal, from borough policies to London Plan nuances.
Infrastructure & Services – Access, utilities, and anything underground that could make life easier (or harder).
Environmental & Heritage Factors – Conservation, flood zones, listed buildings — the things that need respect and care.
Opportunities & Limitations – Where the creative possibilities meet practical reality.
Every site is different. That’s the point — and it’s why our work never feels formulaic.
Feasibility That Goes Beyond the Spreadsheet
A feasibility study isn’t a formality. Done right, it’s the start of the design story.
We sketch, test, and challenge ideas early — bringing design imagination into the numbers and policy.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Early concept design options to see what fits and what flows.
• Planning risk analysis — because no one likes surprises later.
• High-level cost and value checks so your expectations stay grounded.
• Straightforward recommendations that help you decide, plan, and move forward.
How Payte Architects London Work
We like to keep things simple. Every project starts with a conversation and ends with clarity.
• We talk. We get to know your goals, your timeline, and what you hope to achieve with the site.
• We look. We study the plot, the planning history, and the local context — the things that quietly shape what’s possible.
• We sketch. Early ideas, layouts, and massing studies help us see what might actually work.
• We think. We weigh up costs, opportunities, and any challenges, so nothing catches you off guard.
• We advise. You get straightforward, honest feedback and a clear route forward — no jargon, no filler.
Why Developers and Owners Choose Payte Architects London
Our architects in West London have worked across the city with many developers — particularly in areas like Mayfair, Fulham, Hammersmith.
Each borough has its quirks, politics, and planning temperament. We know how to read them.
Our feasibility work is led by our senior architects Teddy Laurence and Zaheer Varyawa, alongside founder Simon Baker. Together, they balance creativity and realism — the architect’s instinct with the planner’s practicality.
“London’s planning landscape is never simple. Each borough speaks its own language. Knowing how to listen — that’s half the job.”
— Simon Baker, Founder & Director
Our architect firm is proud of being small enough to care about the detail, yet experienced enough to navigate complex sites.
Our Micro-Specialties
London is full of tricky sites. We’ve learned to love them.
Small & Constrained Urban Sites – Tucked-away plots, backland gardens, mews houses — the tight ones.
Mixed-Use & Infill Projects – Combining living, working, and retail within limited footprints.
Heritage & Conservation Areas – Respecting London’s history while finding room for contemporary design.
Residential Redevelopment – From single homes to small apartment blocks.
Sustainable & Low-Carbon Feasibility – Designing with energy, daylight, and long-term value in mind.
Pre-Purchase Feasibility Reviews – Fast, sharp insight for developers before deals go through.
Before You Buy Your Property
If you’re thinking about buying a site — stop for a moment.
Before you commit, get a Pre-Purchase Feasibility Review from our team.
We’ll help you see what’s possible, what’s risky, and what’s worth it. Sometimes it confirms your hunch; other times it saves you from an expensive mistake.
“We’ve had clients walk away from the wrong deal — and others double down on the right one. Either way, they walked in with their eyes open.”
— Teddy Laurence, Senior Architect
This is a fast, focused service designed for developers, landowners, and investors who want clarity before they buy.
Who We Work With
• Developers and property investors
• Homeowners exploring extensions or rebuilds
• Planning consultants and design teams
• Local authorities and housing associations
A Note from Simon Baker – The Founder
“Feasibility isn’t paperwork. It’s where good architecture begins.
We take pride in finding that balance between vision and viability — the space where great projects actually take root.
Every site has a story. Our job is to understand it before anyone else does.”
— Simon Baker, Founder & Director, Payte Architects London
Let’s Talk About Your Site
If you’re exploring a new project in London, start with insight — not assumptions.
Our Site Analysis and Feasibility Studies help you make confident, informed decisions from day one.
Call us or email [email protected] to arrange a consultation with Payte Architects London.